11 Questions with MS in Entrepreneurship Student Ricardo Perez

We asked current Foster students to tell us why they chose Foster, what they like to do for fun, and to share advice with potential applicants. Meet Master of Science in Entrepreneurship student Ricardo.

1) Where are you from?

A small town in South Texas called Freer.

2) What did you do before entering this program?

I graduated with my bachelor’s degree in May 2016 from Texas A&M University – Kingsville, and had been a stay-at-home dad until entering this program. The Seattle Times gave me the opportunity to speak at their annual ‘Ignite Education Lab’ in 2018 and I’m grateful to have been chosen!

3) Did you have any entrepreneurship experience before entering this program?

I owned a small business as a firearms instructor in Texas where I taught the course required for the state handgun permit as well as long range marksmanship classes.

4) Tell us why you are excited to be a part of the third Cohort for the MS ENTRE degree program?

I’m excited to learn about what it takes to launch a product, and look forward to the opportunity to contribute to my peers projects.

5) What are your thoughts on the entrepreneurship scene in Seattle?

I am awestruck at the availability of support from mentors and other entrepreneurs, and how relatively easy it is to submit a ‘pitch deck’ to get your idea looked at by investors. Seattle is the place you want to be if you have entrepreneurial aspirations!

6) What connections are you hoping to make while in the program?

I’m interested in launching ventures of all sorts, so I’m happy to connect with anyone. My ultimate goal is to start a biotech company so any connections there would be great, but I’d like the strongest connection to be with the MS in Entrepreneurship program. If I’m successful in the future, it will be 100% due to the connections I made and the things I’ve learned through this program.

7) Where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

Selling the company I start through this program, then pursuing my PhD in Biochemistry/Proteomics. If I’m not actively pursuing a venture of my own or in pursuit of a PhD, I’ll definitely want to be helping others get their ideas off the ground.

8) What skills and/or knowledge are you looking to develop?

I want to build my knowledge base around entrepreneurial law and product development as well as continue building my leadership skills.

9) What do you like to do for fun?

I grew up on a ranch in South Texas so I enjoy most anything outdoors. Indoor activities I enjoy would be playing video games, billiards, and poker. I’m also crazy about anything PBS on YouTube. I’ve spent many hours watching NewsHour, SpaceTime, Two Cents, and can safely say that the majority of my down time is spent watching educational videos online.

10) What’s been your favorite part of the program so far?

The strong community that our Cohort has created in such a short amount of time. We’ve only been together for about a month and I feel that all of us genuinely want to see each other succeed.

11) What advice would you give to someone who’s thinking about applying to the MS ENTRE degree program?

I would recommend that they sit in on a class, and really reflect on how they would employ the things learned in the program. Are they interested in becoming a startup founder themselves? Or are they more interested in learning about the facets of entrepreneurship to help others launch their ventures? The things taught in the program and the network of mentors will only go as far as each of us are willing to take it. So, if you’re ready to work hard and get uncomfortable, hurry up and apply!

Learn more about the Master of Science in Entrepreneurship program

This post is part of a series where we ask current students to answer 11 questions about their experience at Foster. Explore the 11 questions tag for more interviews.

11 questions, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship, Master of Science in Entrepreneurship student experience, Student Experience